NASHVILLE — Valwood will go into the 2024 regular season this week with one scrimmage under its belt. Friday saw their second scrimmage wiped out by weather conditions.
Valwood got as far as warmups against Berrien at Raymond Jones Memorial Stadium, but area lightning was too close. Delays meant the scrimmage never progressed further.
Valwood did play one scrimmage this month, the varsity and junior varsity combining for a 38-14 victory against Lanier County.
The GIAA Class 3A defending state champions hit the road Friday, crossing the state line to play Hamilton County, Florida. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Hamilton was a 3-6 team in 2023.
Valwood has one more road game to open the year, traveling to Columbus’ Brookstone Aug. 23, where they will see a familiar face for area fans: Rance Gillespie. Gillespie, former head coach at Valdosta High, has been with Brookstone since 2022.
The Valiants finally play at home Aug. 30 against Frederica Academy.
Berrien debuts with Cook in the Border War series this Friday. This is the first time the teams have opened against each other since 1981.